Two Cabin Crew From Manipur Dead in Air India Crash in Ahmedabad
Manipur is mourning the loss of two of its own—Lamnunthem Singson and Kongbrailatpam Nganthoi Sharma—both cabin crew members who perished in the devastating Air India crash near Ahmedabad on Thursday afternoon (June 12). The London-bound Boeing 787 Dreamliner, carrying 242 people, went down shortly after taking off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, killing dozens and sending shockwaves across the country.
Singson and Sharma, both hailing from Manipur, were part of the 12-member crew on board. Their deaths have left their families, friends, and the larger Manipuri community in deep grief. While initial reports had noted that Sharma’s family was anxiously awaiting news, officials later confirmed that both crew members from the state were among those who tragically lost their lives.
We express our deepest condolences on the untimely demise of Nganthoi Sharma Kongbrailatpam and Lamnuntheng Singson, the two air hostesses from the North East who lost their lives in the tragic plane crash.
May their souls rest in peace.#planecrash #AirIndiaCrash pic.twitter.com/JjHC6h3HnB— We Indians (@WeIndians_) June 12, 2025
The Manipur government is coordinating with Air India and central authorities to ensure that the mortal remains are brought back home with dignity. Emotional scenes were reported in Thoubal and other parts of the state as the news of the deaths reached local communities.
Two residents of Manipur, Lamnunthem Singson and Nganthoi Sharma Kongbrailatpam were among the cabin crew members who lost their lives in the Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad on Thursday (June 12) afternoon.
Read more: https://t.co/a1EYfGRDSa pic.twitter.com/FaFzG9NkbV
— The Guwahati Times (@theghytimes) June 12, 2025
Governor of Manipur Ajay Kumar Bhalla expressed his sorrow, stating in a message from Raj Bhavan: “The tragic crash of the Air India flight has left the nation heartbroken. The loss of two young and dedicated professionals from Manipur is particularly painful. I pray for strength to their families and all who are suffering from this unimaginable loss.”
Former Chief Minister N. Biren Singh, who earlier had posted a message of concern, confirmed the deaths in an updated social media post, writing: “I am deeply saddened to confirm the passing of our two young Manipuri crew members, Lamnunthem Singson and Nganthoi Sharma. Their service and sacrifice will always be remembered. My prayers go out to their families.”
#UPDATE : Nganthoi Sharma Kongbrailatpam, an air hostess from Manipur, was among the 242 people who lost their lives in the devastating crash of Air India Flight AI171.
The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, en route from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, crashed shortly after takeoff into a… pic.twitter.com/8xnb7186Bs— upuknews (@upuknews1) June 12, 2025
Leaders from across the Northeast also expressed condolences. Chief Ministers of Assam, Tripura, Mizoram, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, and Nagaland each posted messages mourning the loss and offering solidarity with the families of all those affected.
The crash occurred just minutes after takeoff from Runway 23—a runway already etched in memory due to a previous major crash in 1988. The aircraft, identified as VT-ANB, reportedly faced technical difficulties before descending rapidly and crashing near Meghaninagar.
Flight operations at the Ahmedabad airport were temporarily halted following the incident but resumed later that evening. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and other investigative agencies are currently probing the cause of the accident.
As the investigation continues, Manipur—and indeed the nation—remembers Singson and Sharma not just as victims, but as professionals who served with dedication until their final flight.
Pics Taken from open sources/ Internet
